Perceived Physical Strain in Paid and Unpaid Work and the Work-Home Interface: The Associations with Musculoskeletal Pain and Fatigue Among Public Employees

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between number of working hours, the level of perceived physical strain, work-home interface and musculoskeletal pain and fatigue among women and men employed in the public sector. Cross-sectional data from 1,180 employees (86% women) in 49 public workplaces in 2002-2003 were analyzed. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as measures of the associations. The analyses showed differences as well as similarities between women and men. Overall the women reported higher levels of perceived physical strain relative to total workload. A high level of physical strain was strongly associated with musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, no detrimental effects were observed on health of high total working hours which indicates that a large number of total working hours might be balanced by accompanying multiple roles or many responsibilities and therefore not be generally regarded as risk factors for ill health.

Psychosocial working conditions, occupational groups, and risk of disability pension due to mental diagnoses: a cohort study of 43 000 Swedish twins

“…One possible explanation for these findings is that these occupational groups are numerically female dominated, and working in a female-dominated sector has been found to be a risk factor for sickness absence with a mental diagnosis (55,56). Also, these two sector-based occupational groups included occupations (ie, nurses and cleaners) that are known to be associated with mentally and/or physically challenging working conditions including low control and uncomfortable working positions and/or heavy lifting (57)(58)(59)(60). Commercial work became significantly associated with DP due to mental diagnoses after accounting for familial factors, suggesting that engaging in such work is an independent protective factor of such DP.…”

Análise da percepção da fadiga, estresse e ansiedade em trabalhadores de uma indústria de calçados

“…Em estudo realizado por Makowiec-Dabrowska et al 8 , que analisaram a percepção de fadiga e gasto energético entre 114 homens e 147 mulheres realizando um mesmo tipo de tarefa com alta exigência física, foi constatado que a percepção de fadiga e gasto energético foi maior nas mulheres. Fjell et al 7 também observaram que mulheres relatam níveis mais elevados de tensão relacionada à percepção da carga de trabalho física associada com dores musculoesqueléti-cas e fadiga, quando comparadas a homens submetidos às mesmas condições.…”

“…Com relação ao gênero, certas características do trabalho, tais como os elevados ou baixos controle, demanda e apoio social para a realização das tarefas, parecem afetar de forma diferente homens e mulheres quanto à percepção da carga de trabalho física, tensão muscular, dores no corpo e fadiga 7,8 . Elevados níveis de estresse crônico no trabalho geralmente estão associados com características específicas dele.…”

Using Community-Based Participatory Research and Human-Centered Design to Address Violence-Related Health Disparities Among Latino/a Youth

“…8 Consequently, researchers lose the opportunity to capitalize on the unique contributions, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge that community members can provide, informing the development of culturally competent, effective community intervention and prevention efforts. 9 Numerous subgroups of Latinos/as exist, pointing to the importance of including all voices at the table to incorporate within group diversity. 5 …”